How to Play Maroon Creek Club

Maroon Creek’s 18th hole, Courtesy Maroon Creek Club

Aspen Intel · Insider Golf Guide

How to Play Maroon Creek Club as a Local — Without a Membership

Aspen's most exclusive private course has a little-known local-access program written into its City of Aspen ground lease. Here's how to use it.

The short answer: You cannot buy a public tee time at Maroon Creek Club — it's private. But because part of the course sits on City of Aspen land, the lease requires limited local access. The two cleanest paths: hold an Aspen Golf Club season pass (one round per season at the muni rate), or qualify as a working Pitkin County resident (up to five rounds per season).

Let's set expectations. Maroon Creek Club is a private club — a steep initiation fee, high annual dues, and a waiting list. You cannot call the pro shop, book a tee time, and walk on like it's the muni. But because part of the course sits on City of Aspen land under a 99-year ground lease, the club is contractually required to let qualifying locals play. Below are the real, legitimate ways onto the course, ranked from easiest to longest-shot.

Path 1 — Hold an Aspen Golf Club pass (the easiest route)

This is the cleanest path and the one most locals miss. Under the lease, anyone holding a season pass at the Aspen Golf Club (the muni) is entitled to one round per season at Maroon Creek — and the lease specifies "at all times," so it isn't limited to a member-only blackout calendar. You pay the City course's daily green-fee rate rather than any member pricing.

To use it: buy an Aspen Golf Club season pass (verification is typically in January; passes go on sale February–March), then call the Maroon Creek pro shop, mention you're a muni pass-holder exercising your annual round, and book it. Bring your pass and ID.

Path 2 — The Pitkin County "working local" program

Separate from the muni-pass round, the lease (amended 1993) grants qualifying Pitkin County residents up to five rounds per season at the club. The lease also caps what locals can be charged: non-member local green fees can't exceed the tourist muni rate by more than 50%.

To qualify, you generally need to show:

• Pitkin County residency
• That you work in the county at least 30 hours per week (a "working local" benefit, not a second-homeowner perk)
• A current pay stub as proof of employment, plus a Colorado driver's license or state ID

Heads-up for the self-employed: the club has historically been stingy about accepting a 1099 as proof of employment, which has tripped up freelancers and business owners. If that's you, call ahead and ask exactly what documentation they'll accept this season before you drive over.

Path 3 — Be the guest of a member

The classic private-club route. If you know a member, they can host you — at the member's discretion, and often the fastest way onto the course on short notice. In a town this small, a member friend is worth more than you'd think, and you'll get the walked-with-a-local tour the access rules otherwise won't give you.

Path 4 — Get into a charity or fundraiser event

Maroon Creek has hosted fundraisers and special events where non-members played the course. Keep an eye on local nonprofit golf tournaments — occasionally one lands at a marquee private club, and buying into the event or a foursome is a legitimate, no-strings way to tee it up there for a good cause.

Know the local-play rules before you go

• No early-morning tee times. Non-members can't tee off in the 8–10 a.m. member-only window.
• Cart and caddie required. The course isn't clearly marked; members may walk without one, so budget for both on top of the green fee.
• Limited tee-time inventory. Only a set number of non-member times are released — book early and stay flexible.
• Proper golf attire. Standard private-club dress code: collared shirt, no denim.

The play, in one breath

Buy an Aspen Golf Club pass and use your one guaranteed Maroon Creek round. If you're a full-time working Pitkin County resident, bring a pay stub and ID and ask the pro shop about the five-round local program. Cultivate a member friend for everything beyond that, and watch for charity events. Then show up with a cart, a caddie, and an afternoon tee time, and enjoy one of the top five courses in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play Maroon Creek Club without being a member?

Yes, in limited cases. Maroon Creek is private, but its City of Aspen ground lease requires local access: Aspen Golf Club pass-holders get one round per season, and qualifying working Pitkin County residents get up to five rounds per season. You can also play as a member's guest or through a charity event.

How much does it cost a local to play Maroon Creek?

Non-member locals pay the City-course daily green-fee rate, and the lease caps local fees at no more than 50% above the tourist muni rate. Budget extra for the required cart and caddie.

Do non-members have to take a caddie at Maroon Creek?

Yes. Non-members are required to take both a cart and a caddie because the course isn't clearly marked. Members may walk without one.

How do I qualify for the Pitkin County local program?

You need to be a Pitkin County resident who works in the county at least 30 hours per week, shown with a current pay stub and a Colorado ID. Self-employed golfers should confirm accepted documentation with the pro shop in advance.

Worth confirming before you count on it: these access rights flow from Maroon Creek's ground lease with the City of Aspen, and the exact terms have been negotiated and litigated over the years. The structure is durable, but the fine print can shift season to season. Confirm current specifics with the Maroon Creek Club pro shop and, if needed, the City of Aspen golf office before planning your round.

More local golf intel: see the Aspen-area golf guide with 2026 greens fees, or get in touch about buying near these courses.

— ASPEN INTEL · the Real Deal in Aspen and Real Estate